Week of 3/16/25
Dear Church Family,
I hope you are enjoying the Siskiyou Spring, things are turning green amidst the cold winds and snow flurries. : ) Conversations have already been happening in our house about what we are doing on our spring break, garden/yard prep, Easter, beginning to plan for summer, etc. Life is very often busy, but the anticipation of Spring does seem to heighten things. Because of that I am very glad that God has given us the opportunity to think about his death and resurrection in the midst of our looking towards the productivity of this season. Life and productivity that isn't from him, through him, or to him(Romans 11:36) will not benefit us, in fact it will take life from us.
It's similar to the idea we encountered in 1 Samuel 15:22-23 this week. Even our 'sacrifices'(attempts to connect with God) are wasted if they are not from a heart of faith and obedience to God who is over all things... including our life and productivity. We are called to be a living sacrifice with every area of our lives submitted to the Lord as our constant act of worship (Romans 12:1-2).
Here's the Home Enjoyment to look further into our worship in the Word.
Read 1 Samuel 15:1-11.
Keep in mind the framework from the message: Sin has a cost-death, Sin is deceptive, Sin is against God, Sin has consequences, Sin will not go unpunished.
How does the Flood or the story of Sodom and Gomorrah give perspective to the judgement we see against the Amalekites?
Read Deuteronomy 25:17-19. This passage gives us some understanding, but ultimately we have to come to grips with God's justice of both individuals, nations, and mankind. Read Revelation 20:11-14.
Read 1 Samuel 15:12-25
Where are some of the places you see glimpses of Saul's heart motivations?
What would you say his actions reveal what he believes about God?
As you look at verse 22-23, is there any activity or person you are leaning on to 'make things ok' with God?
Can you recognize any places where you are rebelling against God by listening to other voices that justify your sin? (Like Saul listening to the people in order to justify disobedience.)
Where are you tempted to presume on God in order to have more of what you want? (Like Saul justifying the taking of the best animals 'because it was for God'.)
Confess to God and a trusted brother or sister in the Lord and turn to God for healing and new direction.
We struggle with fearing Saul's rejection when we consider what we have done. That is different for those who have put their faith in Jesus.
Read and contrast 1 Samuel 15:35 and Hebrews 12:3-6.
Further Study
Read Hebrews 11 and 12 and meditate on what faith looks like in action as well as Jesus' part in growing us in enduring faith.
Day of Prayer ending with Prayer and Worship time this Friday at 7-8:15pm in the Youth Room - Come join us for a time simply focused on singing to our Savior and praying for each other and our community! If you would like to pray throughout the day in preparation please see this linked page.
In Christ,
Phillip
I hope you are enjoying the Siskiyou Spring, things are turning green amidst the cold winds and snow flurries. : ) Conversations have already been happening in our house about what we are doing on our spring break, garden/yard prep, Easter, beginning to plan for summer, etc. Life is very often busy, but the anticipation of Spring does seem to heighten things. Because of that I am very glad that God has given us the opportunity to think about his death and resurrection in the midst of our looking towards the productivity of this season. Life and productivity that isn't from him, through him, or to him(Romans 11:36) will not benefit us, in fact it will take life from us.
It's similar to the idea we encountered in 1 Samuel 15:22-23 this week. Even our 'sacrifices'(attempts to connect with God) are wasted if they are not from a heart of faith and obedience to God who is over all things... including our life and productivity. We are called to be a living sacrifice with every area of our lives submitted to the Lord as our constant act of worship (Romans 12:1-2).
Here's the Home Enjoyment to look further into our worship in the Word.
Read 1 Samuel 15:1-11.
Keep in mind the framework from the message: Sin has a cost-death, Sin is deceptive, Sin is against God, Sin has consequences, Sin will not go unpunished.
How does the Flood or the story of Sodom and Gomorrah give perspective to the judgement we see against the Amalekites?
Read Deuteronomy 25:17-19. This passage gives us some understanding, but ultimately we have to come to grips with God's justice of both individuals, nations, and mankind. Read Revelation 20:11-14.
Read 1 Samuel 15:12-25
Where are some of the places you see glimpses of Saul's heart motivations?
What would you say his actions reveal what he believes about God?
As you look at verse 22-23, is there any activity or person you are leaning on to 'make things ok' with God?
Can you recognize any places where you are rebelling against God by listening to other voices that justify your sin? (Like Saul listening to the people in order to justify disobedience.)
Where are you tempted to presume on God in order to have more of what you want? (Like Saul justifying the taking of the best animals 'because it was for God'.)
Confess to God and a trusted brother or sister in the Lord and turn to God for healing and new direction.
We struggle with fearing Saul's rejection when we consider what we have done. That is different for those who have put their faith in Jesus.
Read and contrast 1 Samuel 15:35 and Hebrews 12:3-6.
Further Study
Read Hebrews 11 and 12 and meditate on what faith looks like in action as well as Jesus' part in growing us in enduring faith.
Day of Prayer ending with Prayer and Worship time this Friday at 7-8:15pm in the Youth Room - Come join us for a time simply focused on singing to our Savior and praying for each other and our community! If you would like to pray throughout the day in preparation please see this linked page.
In Christ,
Phillip
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